Police Reserve Officer - Level I (Part-Time)

The City of Tustin Police Department is currently seeking applicants for part-time Police Reserve Officer – Level I. This is a part-time, at-will, non-benefitted position. Hours are limited to less than 1,000 hours per fiscal year.

This position, under general supervision, performs law enforcement and crime prevention work in the protection of life and property; writes reports; performs related duties as required.

A completed City application and a copy of your POST certificate must be submitted to be considered.  This recruitment is conducted on a continuous basis to meet the needs of the City as vacancies occur and may close at any time.

Class Characteristics

Level I incumbents may perform general law enforcement duties without immediate supervision; a Level I Reserve Officer is non-designated and has peace officer authority only for the duration of their specific assignment [830.6(a) (1) PC].

Selection Process

1. Physical Agility
2. Oral Interview
3. Background Investigation and Polygraph Examination
4. Police Chief's Interview
5. Psychological and Medical Examinations (upon conditional offer of employment)

Candidates successfully completing all components of the selection process will be placed on an employment eligibility list from which hires may be made. The eligible list is valid for one year. The duration of the selection process typically lasts 6-9 months. 

***IMPORTANT*** A comprehensive background investigation and polygraph will be conducted on any eligible persons considered for hire. Recent drug usage, theft or other illegal activity may be grounds for disqualification. A pre-employment medical, psychological evaluation AND a drug screen will be conducted upon a conditional offer of employment.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Patrols, either in a vehicle or on foot, an assigned area during an assigned shift and looks for indicators of possible criminal activity or threats to life and property; answers calls for police services; enforces City, county, and state laws; makes field contacts and completes forms; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, robberies, vehicle accidents, suspected homicides, and other criminal incidents.

• Transports prisoners and evidence as assigned.

• Makes traffic stops and issues warnings or citations; checks vehicles and observes vehicle occupants; directs traffic and arranges for the clearing of roadways, interviews drivers and witnesses and prepares reports; directs traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency or congested situations. May conduct traffic control and security at parades and/or sporting events; responds to calls related to traffic incidents and other emergencies; observes, monitors, and controls routine and unusual traffic conditions; assists and advises motorists and enforces traffic safety laws; enforces parking regulations.

• Takes information and writes reports and field notes; participates in staff development; attends briefings and training sessions; performs routine maintenance on assigned patrol vehicle, firearms, and other equipment.

• Assists the public and answers questions; administers first aid and responds to calls for medical assistance; establishes and maintains good relationships with the general public.

• Makes arrests as necessary; serves warrants and subpoenas; conducts searches and seizures involving people, vehicles and structures; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogates suspects; investigates scenes of vehicle accidents; gathers and preserves evidence; receives, searches, fingerprints and books prisoners; testifies and presents evidence in court.

• Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of offenders.

• As assigned, makes presentations before a variety of public groups to promote crime prevention activities and to enhance public understanding of Police Department activities; serves as liaison to neighborhood watch groups and schools.

Level I (non-designated): Equivalent to graduation from high school; successful completion of a POST certified Basic Academy; college courses are highly desirable.

Knowledge of:

Working knowledge of modern practices and techniques of law enforcement, patrol, investigation, public relations, and report writing; Vehicle and Penal Codes; legal rights of citizens; court procedures. Have a working knowledge of laws of arrest, search and seizure procedures and the rules of evidence.

Ability to:

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents and places; establish and maintain effective relationships with the community; use and care of firearms and small equipment; think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately; learn, understand and interpret laws and regulations; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports; respond to emergency and problem situations in an effective manner; understand, explain and apply policies and procedures; make clear and concise radio transmissions; understand and follow verbal and written directions; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; meet the established physical requirements; meet Police Officer requirements contained in the California State Government Code.

Age: 21 years at time of appointment.

License/Certificates: At time of appointment, candidate must possess a valid California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.

Background/Character: Free from conviction of a felony or serious misdemeanor; demonstrates maturity, good judgment and ethical behavior; willing to perform non-traditional and innovative duties to improve the community, police relations and moral standards compatible with law enforcement.

Physical: Must be in excellent physical condition; weight in proportion to height; normal hearing; vision 20/100 correctable to 20/20; normal color vision and physically capable of performing the duties of a Police Officer.

Position requires prolonged sitting, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The incumbent must also be able to lift, carry, drag, pull and push objects and persons weighing at least 165 pounds; stand for extended periods of time such as in guarding a crime scene; run for extended periods of time such as in foot pursuit of suspects; distinguish colors and observe and recognize people, vehicles and environmental conditions during the day and night; recall details concerning incidents, people and occurrences to write thorough, accurate and complete reports; hear radio transmissions in noisy environments such as in a busy intersection; maintain composure and good judgment while under stress.

The City of Tustin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Salary : $24